[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Jazuela

The plan you refer to exists, and is called Medicaid. It's not available for all, but it is available for Americans who can't otherwise afford medical care. It is currently paid for through federal income tax. If you have received a paycheck from someone, you have paid the tax for it. The only thing is that the number of doctors who participate are extremely limited so yes - you can go to any doctor you want - but if the doctor doesn't participate, you pay 100% of their bill.

Socialized medicine isn't free, it is paid for through taxes. But you don't pay taxes PLUS a monthly premium. So in other words, the subscription itself - is free. The care is already paid for.

There was an article that various hospitals and other health care providers are suing MEDICAID for the costs of services provided, either the individual or their estate. Apparently there was a law signed under Clinton(?) possibly Obama(?) that allows this, so IMHO, while Medicaid might appear to be "free" or very low cost while you are living you or your estate may get hit later. The article was very interesting and something I did not realize. I tried to provide a link but it was not linkable.